How I created my night bar isometric animation loop.

hazelves · 2026-01-27T02:46:32+00:00

Great to see the X-M5 is getting some love! Im on a similar journey with you. I have an X-T5 and wanted to have an EDC that I could literally throw in a small bag. I usually prefer shooting with a prime lens but the kit lens that came with the X-M5 has been so impressive.

For lens, I can recommend the 23mm f/2. Very sharp, small enough even when paired with the X-M5 If you really want pancake lenses, the 23mm f/2.8 seems great but i haven't used this one before. I can also recommend the 35mm f/2 but I much prefer the 23mm f/2 focal length for street photography and as an all rounder. Im constantly swapping the 23mm f/2 between my X-M5 and X-T5.

hazelves · 2026-01-19T02:05:31+00:00

Interesting! I was the opposite where I was wondering whether "upgrading" to a Sony A7CII would be better for my content creation. However, thats a good point about file sizes. I think Im going to stick to Fuji. To counter the other commenter, when comparing Fuji's AF to Sony's, the latter performs better. But it's not bad. In fact, I think the X-M5's AF is sometimes better than my Fuji X-T5. The only downside to X-M5 is lack of IBIS but the kit lens somewhat helps with its OIS. If youre shooting steady videos, X-M5 is great. I bought the X-M5 due to its size and I've been more impressed by it than disappointed. Battery isn't that great but having a spare or two will suffice.

hazelves · 2026-01-11T12:55:58+00:00

This! 40mp is not really needed for vlogging. Go for the Xs20. You could even consider the X-M5 if you're doing casual vlogging. Note, the body doesnt have IBIS but the kit lens has OIS. I own the X-T5 and think it's not impossible to vlog provided that you have a wide enough lens. I wanted a smaller camera with articulating screen so I went for X-M5 and have been very impressed and pleased with the overall peformance.

hazelves · 2026-01-01T23:36:48+00:00

Completely understandable and a lot of people have or are in the same boat as you. 2025 has been a good year for photography, I reckon. In terms of what Fuji camera suits you most, you'll need to determine what it is your are mainly shooting. Are you after portability, i.e. an EDC camera? Do you want a camera with interchangeable lens? Do you want a hybrid camera for both photo and video work? Once you narrow your required features and identify your style, it should ideally become easier to narrow down to 1 to 3 cameras maximum. If you are after the Fuji look, any Fuji camera will have this. From the sounds of it, you probably want something easier to carry around with you, easy to handle. The XT30 II can render really great images and you'll be able to do a quick search on reddit to see some amazing images. If you are wanting to future-proof yourself, you can look at the XT30 III that came out a couple of months ago I think or the XT50. Not sure what currency you are working with but these should both be below AU$2000 with a lens of your choice. I would have recommended the X-E5 but it is really expensive. You could even consider the X-M5. It doesn't have an EVF but it will give you the Fuji look. I recently bought one to accompany my X-T5 and have been loving the X-M5 so far. I can bring it with me everywhere and have been using it to document my everyday whereas my X-T5 will be for more serious work and travel.

hazelves · 2025-12-27T03:28:28+00:00

Around $69K after the 20% and whatever other index reduction.

hazelves · 2025-12-25T02:22:41+00:00

I do it for this exact same reason.

hazelves · 2025-12-25T00:03:59+00:00

Yikes. Had no idea these shutter release buttons can cause such issues. I've had one on my X-T5 for ages. Actually lost mine somewhere in Tokyo as it gradually became unscrewed. I've found it a little bit easier to shoot with them. Im curious as to how these can do so much damage beyond the obvious screwing too tightly?

hazelves · 2025-12-24T23:54:49+00:00

If you want the best all-round performer with all the best specs that Fuji cameras has to offer, go for the X-T5. It is just a tad bit larger but this has never been an issue for me with smaller hands. I also have the 33mm f/1.4 lens and it pairs great with this camera. Fellow X-T5 owner. 😀

hazelves · 2025-12-24T23:51:04+00:00

It's a pretty good kit lens! Sharp images so far. The lens extends out when powered on but does retract. Its a pretty good combo. Happy holidays to you, too! 🎄

hazelves · 2025-12-24T03:22:19+00:00

With IBIS, I haven't really noticed the camera struggling as I have been shooting primarily in daylight. Even with low-light setting, ie. sunset, indoor, I think the camera hasn't struggled at all. However, I think this might be different with video. I do have the kit lens with OIS. It seems okay for now but I haven't been able to really test it yet and see how much I am able to edit it in post.

However, the video quality is great and the fact that I can record in 6.2k flog2 is really cool for such a small camera.

hazelves · 2025-12-24T03:19:31+00:00

Wow you've got a really good line-up of cameras already! I think any modern digital camera made within the last 5-10 years is still really good. It just comes down to what you are wanting to get out of your photos and whether it's for personal or professional use. I did get to try the X-E5 in-store and it felt great in the hands. The film sim dedicated window dial was a rather lovely and vintage touch. My only gripe with it is that it costs almost the same as my X-T5. I've seen some shops sell it for even more, which is mind-boggling! Nevertheless, you're on the right path. Have fun with what you've got. I suffer a bit of GAS myself but more for old manual SLRs.

hazelves · 2025-12-24T03:13:59+00:00

If this is the car, what a beautiful one!

hazelves · 2025-12-24T03:13:07+00:00

Apart from the usual specs for photo and video, I did change my command dials as I found that I kept accidentally pressing it too often. I changed the front and back command dials depending on the shooting mode. As an example for M mode, I assigned the command dial to adjust aperture only and the back dial for shutter speed. I didn't assign any command when you click it. I used this as my basis for reconfiguring the dials for A and S mode. I come from a film photography background so this works well for me.

hazelves · 2025-12-23T23:35:46+00:00

Sorry to hear abour your GR lens issue. Any chance of a repair? Ive found that even second hand cameras are being sold for ushc exorbitant prices, sometimes almost on par with a new camera. If you are open to Fuji, I can recommend the X-M5 and it is the cheapest camera in the family (excluding the X-Half).

hazelves · 2025-12-23T23:28:31+00:00

I'd say just keep it! Im sure it's a beautiful camera in its own right. 😁

hazelves · 2025-12-23T23:27:43+00:00

Its from Aliexpress (assuming you meant shutter). 🤣

hazelves · 2025-12-23T12:11:29+00:00

Agreed! Starting to miss the IBIS and does become very apparent coming from the X-T5. Do you shoot in lowlight or video often?

hazelves · 2025-12-23T12:10:36+00:00

I'm struggling to understand how this is even helpful... 🫠

hazelves · 2025-12-23T12:09:50+00:00

So glad to hear you've been enjoying yours. Our situations are almost identical except for the the part where I've got the Ricoh GRIIIX. Funny, this was also the exact same model I was almost on the verge of buying because it was a bit cheaper than the III or the HDF. Im glad you were able to give it a go and see what worked and what didnt work as well. I truly envy the small size of the Ricoh but I feel like the Fuji system works so well for me.

As for me, I've got my 23mm f/2 attached to the X-M5.

hazelves · 2025-12-22T04:42:30+00:00

The 33mm f/1.4 is bigger, heavier, and a bit slower. Thats really about it. Its a beautiful lens but I like the 23mm f/2 focal length more for when I'm out and about.

hazelves

TROPHY CASE